Center on Wrongful Convictions
The California Exonerated: Jerry Bigelow

Jerry Bigelow was sentenced
to death in 1981 and was exonerated in 1988

Jerry Bigelow was sentenced to death for a murder, robbery, and kidnaping in Merced County, California. He and a companion were hitchhiking when the victim gave them a ride. In exchange for immunity from the death penalty, the companion testified that Bigelow shot the victim. After the companion accused Bigelow of the murder, the police persuaded him to confess by promising him leniency — a promise that would not be kept. Bigelow eventually was exonerated by several witnesses who testified that the companion had admitted committing the crime while Bigelow was sleeping and without Bigelow’s knowledge. Bigelow is Caucasian as was the victim.

Last Modified: January 21, 2003

Northwestern University School of Law, 357 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611